Visiting Sydney with the fam for the first time or looking to do a fancy city staycation with the kids? You've come to the right place.
Sydney's hotel scene has exploded in the last few years, and there are heaps of options for travelling families guaranteed to surprise and delight everyone involved. Like an eco-retreat at one of Australia's most famous zoos complete with snoozy koalas, hotels with special in-room tent set-ups, and one of the most enchanting dessert buffets (chocolate fountain included) that we have ever seen.
Keep scrolling for the best kid-friendly accommodation in Sydney.
Wildlife Retreat At Taronga
Mosman
Planning to visit the famous Taronga Zoo when you visit Sydney? Well, the zoo's stunning eco-retreat, Wildlife Retreat, is one of our favourite stays in the city—and it is a family-friendly paradise. As well as being mere seconds from lions, tigers, and bears (and all the other incredible animals that call Taronga home), your stay includes zoo access and a close-up encounter with some adorable Aussie animal residents through a personal tour of the retreat's beautiful animal sanctuary. "Animal View" rooms overlook the private sanctuary, which means yes, a koala might be snoozing just outside your window.
The retreat is also home to tammar wallabies, red-necked pademelons, long-nosed potoroos, red kangaroos, some sassy short-beaked echidnas, and a few short-finned Eels who inhabit the creeks and pools. Animal View Rooms overlooks the private sanctuary, which means yes, a koala might be snoozing just outside your window.
Book your stay at Wildlife Retreat at Taronga here.
Four Seasons
The Rocks
If it’s second-to-none views of the world’s most beautiful harbour you're after, complete with top-tier service and family-friendly surprises, let the Four Seasons be the master of your Sydney visit or staycation. For parents, there's the sky-high Lounge 32, a swanky bar on the 32nd floor that’s akin to the Qantas First Class Lounge with an open bar and all-day canapes; there’s an outdoor pool complete with cabana bar; and last but not least, Mode Kitchen and Bar. Led by head chef Francesco Mannelli, this restaurant is one of Sydney’s best.
Meanwhile, the Four Seasons' family-fun package will have the kids loving the hotel's world-renowned service too (a la Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone 2, of course). The package includes daily breakfast at Mode, a family pass to Taronga Zoo, complimentary dining for kids aged six and under, an in-room kids' movie and movie snacks, kid-friendly bath amenities, welcome gifts for the kids, and an in-room tent experience. It doesn't get better than this.
Book your stay at Four Seasons here.
The Langham
The Rocks
For a luxe family stay in the heart of Sydney's oldest suburb, we love The Langham. Alongside the sort of polished service you expect to encounter at a five-star establishment, The Langham’s long list of lavish amenities includes Kitchens on Kent, an interactive ultra-luxe buffet, complete with nine live kitchens and an incredible dessert buffet complete with chocolate fountain (the kids will love it).
The Langham's "Family Playcation" package includes access to its famous Roman bathhouse-style pool complete with star-dappled ceiling, buffet breakfast for the family, and kid-friendly bath amenities, and you can bring along one family pet at no extra cost.
Book your stay at The Langham here.
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour
Circular Quay
A two-bedroom suite with uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour? Yes, that's what's in store at the Pullman Quay Grand. The recently renovated suites at this luxe hotel feature separate bedroom(s), roomy lounge areas for watching movies and chilling out, fully equipped kitchens with laundry facilities, sun-drenched balconies, and stunning bathrooms complete with corner spa bath for the whole fam to enjoy.
Step outside and you are a ferry ride away from Luna Park, a short stroll to the Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden, and an easy distance to some of Sydney's most exciting museums, galleries, restaurants, and sights.
Book your stay at Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour here.
Crown Towers
Barangaroo
If the kids love a hotel stay with a buffet and a pool—and you love luxury hotels with next-level dining options—Crown Towers needs to be top of your wishlist for a Sydney stay. This is Sydney's first six-star hotel, and you'll feel it from the moment you step into the lobby. Each room is fitted with a custom-made tub, bespoke fittings from Apaiser and Hansgrohe, and Nero Marquina marble floors. There's an open-air tennis court, complete with a mural by the legendary Reko Rennie, a list of needs-no-introduction restaurants (Nobu, Woodcut, and a'Mare are among our faves), and a super-luxe spa designed by Blainey North, where you can experience quartz hot sand therapy, a 37-degree vitality pool, and La Prairie facials.
Sure, all this might be totally lost on the kids, but we think they'll appreciate the spectacle of it all—oh, and the stunning west-facing infinity pool and otherworldy buffet restaurant, Epicurean.
Book your stay at Crown Towers here.
Now, check out our guide to the best things to do with kids in Sydney.
Image credit: Crown Sydney, Wildlife Retreat, Four Seasons, The Langham, Pullman Quay Grand, Crown Sydney
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